Home Repair – How to replace a Door

Replacing a door can be quite simple, or it can be a bit of a hassle, depending on whether you need to replace just the door or the frame as well. Even in the case of the latter, you could probably pull it off yourself. Below are some tips for replacing the door only.

First you'll need to remove the existing door. Open it up wide enough to allow ample working room and expose the hinges. Take the pressure off of the hinges by placing a wedge under each end of the door. This will keep the door balanced and prevent it from falling either direction after removing the hinge pins. Most hinges are two part, meaning one part on the door and one part on the frame.

Tap the pin on the bottom hinge upward using a hammer and a flat head screwdriver. Tap it until it is almost all the way out of the hinge and stop. Then repeat the process on the top pin.

There are a number of reasons that the hinge pins may stick. The pins may be rusted in place or painted over, requiring the use of rust or paint remover. Usually, if you hit it hard enough, it will move. Avoid scraping the door frame while tapping out the pins.

When you get to this point, it's a good idea to have a helper to hold the door as the pins are being removed. Secure the door and remove the bottom pin first. Try to keep your fingers out of any possible pinch points. Make sure you or your partner have a firm hold on the door and remove the top pin. Again, make sure you are aware of where your fingers are to avoid pinching.

You should now be able to safely lift the door up and away from the frame. If you're not comfortable with putting your fingers under the door to lift it, you can lift it from the top and sides.

You can use this old door to compare sizes for the new door if it is still in decent shape. Many times, you'll have to trim an inch or two from the bottom of the new door. If possible, have your measurements ready when you buy the door so it can be trimmed before you bring it home.

If the existing hinges need replaced, unscrew them from the door frame. You can reuse the old hinges if you choose. Take the time while the door is off to clean them and apply some carbon or silicon powder to the hinge cracks.

Light grease and sewing machine oil can be used for hinge lubricant, but in the long run they will wear and squeak, due to dirt and grime buildup in the cracks. If the other method is good enough for professional locksmiths, it should work for you as well.

The carbon or silicon spray is what they use to lubricate the tumblers in locks to keep them functioning properly. This will work very well for your hinges and won't make a mess either.

Inspect the hinge screw holes to make sure they can be reused. You may need to fill them with wood putty and re-drill new holes after it dries.

Screw the hinges back into the door frame after your preparation is complete. If necessary, measure and trim the new door to fit. Attach the hinges to the new door as well. Carefully set the new door in place and work the top hinge pin into the hinges about halfway. Then, do the same with the bottom hinge pin, if possible.

When everything seems to be lined up properly, tap the hinges the rest of the way down, and you're done.